Thurston County V. Gorton

Thurston County is seeking a writ of mandamus to compel certain state officials to reimburse the County for filing fees and costs of service of process incurred by the County in connection with 11 habitual traffic offender cases filed by the Thurston County Prosecuting Attorney. In addition to reimbursement, the County seeks an order directing the respondent agencies to pay all filing and service of process costs generated by future habitual traffic offender actions. The sole issue for our determination is whether the costs of an action brought under the Washington Habitual Traffic Offenders Act (Laws of 1971, 1st Ex. Sess., ch. 284) are governed by RCW 4.84.170. We answer in the affirmative and order that the writ of mandamus be issued to named respondents.